Bachelor of Psychological Science and Business (Psychology) (Honours)

This course aims to increase students' understanding of theoretical and methodological aspects of research, to develop their analytic, research and communication skills, and to provide them with advanced knowledge in specific areas of the science and practice of psychology. In this program students must complete coursework components designed to expand their knowledge of statistics and the ethics of psychological research and practice, and broaden their understanding of the discipline. Students also undertake a supervised research project which aims to provide training in both discipline-specific and generic research skills. The research project forms the basis of a literature review and research paper presented at the end of the course.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 8, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 8, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://monash.edu/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

On successful completion of the course the student will be expected to able to:

• describe and discuss theories and research, and investigate and critically evaluate issues in the core discipline areas of psychology
• contribute to discipline knowledge through research, including critical review of scientific literature, identification of research problems, design and conduct of research, application of statistical analyses to evaluate research outcomes, and clear communication of findings according to the professional requirements of the discipline
• describe and discuss the ethical standards and legislative frameworks governing research and practice in psychology, and demonstrate an appreciation of the role of ethics in maintaining the integrity of the profession
• recognise the importance of the relationship between knowledge of the scientific discipline of psychology and the application of this knowledge in the practice of psychology, and to demonstrate this understanding across a number of applications of the discipline
• demonstrate the skills required to maintain professional competence by keeping up with recent developments and contemporary issues in the field and appreciate the importance of ongoing professional development and training and demonstrate a foundation knowledge in a selected range of related discipline areas that complement the theoretical and practical application of psychology.

Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree and a major sequence in psychology accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), or qualification assessed as equivalent by APAC. Ordinarily students would have completed the Monash course 3863 Bachelor of Psychological Science and Business or equivalent.

Admission to the honours year is determined solely by academic merit. The minimum requirement is a distinction average (70 per cent) in the four core third year psychology units however in practice the cut-off is generally in the 75-80 per cent range.

This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and meets the requirements of the Australian Psychological Society for Associate Membership.

This course consists of two assessed components - supervised research project, coursework seminars and lectures, and a series of skills workshops. The course builds on knowledge gained in the undergraduate psychology major.

Full-year unit

• PSY4100 Psychology honours research project*

Semester one

• PSY4210 Statistics and research design for professional psychology
• PSY4220 Ethical and professional issues in psychology

Semester two

• PSY4270 Psychological assessment and intervention

plus one elective unit from the following:

• PSY4110 Psychology in society
• PSY4120 Mental health and illness
• PSY4130 Developmental psychology and clinical neuroscience

* Part-time students must complete all units except PSY4100 in their first year, and undertake PSY4100 in their second year.